Word Origin & History

conviction late 15c., "the proving of guilt," from L. convictionem, noun of action from convincere (see convince). Meaning "mental state of being convinced" is from 1690s; that of "firm belief, a belief held as proven" is from 1841.

Example Sentences for conviction

The biggest reality of the world is a matter neither of conjecture, belief, nor moral conviction.

But for all its brutality, his sentence followed trial and conviction.

Four weeks of nearly continuous tracking provided the basis of an indictment and subsequent conviction for drug trafficking.

Our elected officials may, for political reasons or from genuine conviction, choose to regulate a technology.

Any or all of these are enough to cast doubt on the conviction.

Many cosmologists have reservations about string theory and some really are arguing with conviction that it isn't science.

People all too often believe something as truth given the strength of the conviction of others.

Start with the third paragraph but write with conviction and strength.

They shared a conviction that technological innovation would shape the art of the future.

But he was an instrument of the law, a disciplined judge, and the prosecution had failed to meet the standards for a conviction.